I didn't write it....but you get the point. There are distinct differences in the way passenger tires and trailer tires are designed, engineered, and constructed. There are also differences in the service requirements between the tires on your car or truck and those on your trailer. Traction, or grip, is a key element in the design of passenger tires. Traction moves your car or truck down the road. Traction allows you to stop, turn and swerve, and traction also gives you the ability to tow your trailer. Another important consideration in passenger tire design is “ride”. Ride, traction, and handling are all achieved in passenger tire designs by adding flex in the sidewall. By making the sidewall more flexible, tire engineers maximize tread contact with the road, thus increasing traction and allowing the driver to maintain better control over the vehicle. Traction is only a factor on trailers equipped with brakes, during braking operations, because trailers are followers. In fact, sidewall flexing in a trailer application is a negative. Sidewall flexing on trailers carrying heavy loads; trailers with high vertical side loads (enclosed/travel trailers); or trailers with light tongue weights, is a primary cause of trailer sway. Automotive radial tires with their flexible sidewalls notably accentuate trailer sway problems. The stiffer sidewalls and higher operating pressures common with Special Trailer (ST) tires helps control and reduce the occurrence of trailer sway. Bottom line, trailers are more stable and pull better on tires designed specifically for trailer use.
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